Windows 8.1 in detail
The familiar made better
The desktop you're used
to—with its familiar folders and icons—is still here. And not just still
here, it's actually better than before, with a new task manager and
streamlined file management. And you can always get to your desktop—and
back to your Start screen again—with a tap or click.
Programs
Use them the way you always have. Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs you count on work the way you're
used to. Use a mouse and keyboard and organize your stuff in folders on
the desktop.
Security
Windows Defender and Windows SmartScreen can help guard
your PC against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software in real
time. Family Safety gives your kids some independence while still
keeping tabs on them.
Mouse and keyboard
You can use a mouse and keyboard to work on
your Windows desktop the way you always have. And things you do with
touch, like using apps from the Windows Store and getting around on your
Start screen, can also be done with a mouse and keyboard.
Make it yours
See more, do more
Windows 8.1 lets you work the way you want, and flow
smoothly from one thing to another. Pull up a Wikipedia article to
settle a debate with the friend you're on Skype with. Play a music video
while polishing your resume. Depending on the size of your screen, you
can see up to four apps at once.
Your Windows, everywhere
It goes where you go.
Use your Microsoft account to sign in to
any of your tablets or PCs running Windows 8.1, and you'll see the same
layout, apps, and settings. Signing in with your Microsoft Account
(which is simply an email address and password of your choice) also
gives you access to a world of apps from the Windows Store, and lets you
save, view, and edit your documents and photos online with SkyDrive.
SkyDrive |
Your files are always with you
SkyDrive is free online storage that's built into
Windows 8.1. Save documents, photos and other files to SkyDrive
automatically, and get to them anytime, from any of your PCs or devices.
You can also use SkyDrive to protect your files if something happens to
your PC.
And you can use SkyDrive to share and collaborate with others, and see your stuff on mobile and non-Windows devices.
Skype |
Video, voice, and instant messaging
The always-on app that makes staying in touch with all
your contacts easier than ever. Keep in touch with video and voice calls
and instant messaging, all from one app. Call any phone quickly and
easily. All Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls are free, and your
messages are delivered straight to you no matter what you're doing. Snap
Skype left or right and do more while you IM, video call or keep an eye
on your home screen.
Great apps come standard
Get email from your accounts—including Outlook and Yahoo!—all in one place.
Music |
Explore, download, and listen to the latest music. Get access to millions of free streaming songs.
Videos |
Browse and watch movies and shows. Watch on your PC or play to your TV.
Photos |
Photo editing for touchscreens, the way it's supposed to be. Crop, fix, and apply filters quickly and easily.
Games |
Discover the hottest new games, classic favorites, and
exclusives for Windows. Track your progress and compare scores with
friends.
Camera |
Take photos and videos, and browse through them, and share the best ones with your friends and family.
People |
Stay connected and start conversations with contacts
from your email accounts, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more.
Maps |
Quickly pinpoint, save and explore the locations you
care about, get directions, see traffic conditions, and more.
Calendar |
Keep track of your schedule in month, week, or two-day
view. Get appointment notifications so you’re always on time.
Finance |
Comprehensive financial news and market data from the global sources you trust.
Alarms |
Set up and customize multiple alarms for all the things
you need to reminded of. Turn them off when you want to focus.
Calculator |
A reliable classic, still there for you, and now optimized for touch.
Food + Drink |
Get thousands of recipes, instructional videos, and tips from renowned chefs.
Sound Recorder |
Easily record a sound, and then trim, save, and replay it on your PC.
Reading List |
Save stuff you're interested in to read later, or share it with friends.
Weather |
Get hourly, daily, and 10-day forecasts, with beautiful weather images.
Health + Fitness |
Over 1,000 exercise videos, a nutritional and medical reference, and exercise and diet trackers.
Sports |
Keep up with all the sports and teams you care about with Live Tile updates on your favorite teams.
Travel |
Plan your trip via travel guides, booking tools, real-time currency conversion, and weather forecasts.
News |
A beautiful, photo-rich way to keep up with what's
happening in the world. Swipe through headlines or go deep with
personalized coverage.